Best Bank - Guatemala

With economic growth returning to Guatemala after a relatively shallow crisis, its banks can return to plans being made prior to 2008.

Banco Industrial, the
countrys largest financial institution, has perhaps the
most far-reaching strategy.

In addition to defending
its local lead in assets, loans and deposits, the bank is again
working to expand throughout Central America and list on
Mexicos stock exchange, says Luis Fernando Prado,
director of the international division.

"Our goal is to expand
through Central America," Prado tells LatinFinance.
Already operating in Honduras, the bank opens in December in El
Salvador, after receiving the appropriate licensing this year.
Panama and Costa Rica are more distant possibilities for
organic or acquisition-based expansion.

Industrial is also considering several options to raise
funds for the expansion, as well...